Wednesday, November 02, 2011

the future is now

Remember when George Jetson's boss used to call him up on the videophone to yell at him? I always cringed at the idea of answering the phone in person (8 am, greasy hair and face, Almond Joy in hand, embarrassing 80s music playing in the background). Speaking by phone hides a multitude of sins, not to mention eye rolls and blah-blah-blah motions made with one's hand.

And although we are still largely a traditional family when it comes to phone calls, one of us (Flash, age 11) is tiptoeing into the Facetime Era. It's a really great way for him to keep in touch with old friends in our last two states of residence.

I have no problem with Facetime on principle--when I know it's happening. Lately I have found myself mid-lecture only to notice the face of Justin or Tyler or Jaden or whomever on the side of the desk, patiently waiting for the crazy woman to wrap it up. While I'm generally annoyed in that moment (and possibly embarrassed: see greasy face/Almond Joy above), I have to admit Facetime is making me a better parent. It's as if a sort of non-creepy Big Brother camera could be recording me at any moment. I find myself thinking--breathing--for a minute before I talk to my kids. It's a good habit, I think. Now where's my dinner-making machine?

I'm totally with Lindsay. I'm worried enough that someone will randomly drop by (a phenomenon that is happening here with alarming frequency), let alone having to worry about phone calls. And I like to be able to eye roll and make blah-blah-blah and wrap it up motions at will.

So Trent facetimed us from london on the day he arrived. He had just finished saying how he was surprisingly not tired. He then asked Madelyn about her day, while she was talking he fell asleep. We were all cracking up. You cannot hide being asleep on a facetime call. He will NEVER live this one down!!!!